Bennachie Castle United Kingdom

This outstanding “Outlander” style castle sits in 250 acres of beautiful parklands in the heart of Aberdeenshire. Of 17th century origin with a 12th-century core and later additions in 1801 and 1851, the owners of this stunning castle have cleverly managed to retain its amazing heritage and authenticity whilst giving guests comfortably, modern facilities. In recent years a Biomass 24-hour central heating system was installed, which is a property this size is a most welcome addition, given it’s now toasty warm 24/7. A luxury we’re sure the original inhabitants would have very much welcomed had the technology been around back then.
The substantial grounds make a great space to relax in. The castle is south facing which means it gets a lot of light at the front which lends itself to al fresco entertainment in the summer months. Located 22 miles North West of Aberdeen airport (an hour’s drive), this is an ideal venue to enjoy the Grampian Mountain range.
For anyone looking for a ‘once in a lifetime experience’ booking a group of family and friends into a castle-like this for a historic holiday in Scotland couldn’t get more authentic than that. Popular with three-generational families looking to celebrate milestone occasions and overseas visitors looking for a ‘cultural experience’.
When entering by the front door, you’re welcomed into a large hallway which leads through into the morning room where pre-dinner drinks can be served. Beyond this, a vast elegant drawing room designed for entertaining has double doors leading into a grand formal dining room, with a table that can seat up to 20 people. The stylish drawing-room, with an open fire and views to the front, is a large expansive room, with a selection of comfortable sofas and chairs for your group to relax in. With an impressive feature marble fireplace with antique gilt mirror above, this is a room that exudes grandeur and is the perfect place for a drinks party, or just to chill in style.
Next to this, the morning room is the ideal space to congregate next to the sideboard, where the drinks and ice bucket are kept for refreshments.
On the other side of the hallway is a second reception room known as ‘the library’ with the ambience and feel of a traditional gentlemen’s club. It has impressive bookcases full of leather-bound books. The seating here is comfortable in wonderful authentic distressed leather armchairs and a sofa, with the addition of a desk and wifi.
There’s also a snug located behind the kitchen with an open fireplace and is the cosiest room in the castle. It’s a favourite with the children and is a great spot for guests to unwind, either for a bit of TV downtime, one to one chats or for some quiet holiday reading. It has a TV with Sky and DVD’s as well as wifi. The recently modernised catering kitchen is to the rear, beyond which is a ping pong table guests can take outside as well as a croquet set. The dining room next door to the drawing-room is a great space adorned with family portraits with a very large dining table to seat up to 20 people.
This is a traditional dining room with a formal feel which comes alive when full of people. In the summer months, al fresco dining may be possible to take advantage of the south-facing frontage that gets so much sun. The kitchen is located to the rear of the house and is a modernised multi-purpose kitchen to be used as a catering kitchen or as a homely country style kitchen. A large oil-fired AGA, along with two traditional electric ovens and induction hobs, is available to cater for large groups. The large central island workspace also provides seating for up to 4 people, which means children can be fed here and quick breakfasts for those who are up early.
*** From time to time the owners may be in residence using the rear wing, (with own separate entrance). Guests will unlikely be aware of their presence unless specifically requested.
Whilst certain wedding parties are accepted please contact us to discuss prior to booking. A facility fee is applicable for any wedding that goes above the capacity of the house as well as for the use of the grounds and marquee. Weddings are not allowed in the castle itself, they are only welcomed as outdoor events. Situated within 250 acres of grounds in a rural location accessed by a sweeping drive, surrounded by woodlands with a view overlooking Bennachie, makes this a fabulous rural base when staying in Aberdeenshire.
The grounds include a front lawn which is south facing, and there is plenty of parking available to the whole group. An indoor/outdoor table tennis table is made available for guest use along with garden furniture, a BBQ and a croquet set.
Located 22 miles north-west of Aberdeen airport (an hours drive), this is an ideal venue to enjoy Aberdeenshire and the city of Aberdeen. For supermarkets, then nearby Inverurie is 9 miles away. For golfers, there is a good local course at Insch, with Royal Aberdeen and Trump International Links course within an hour. Fishing is available on the river Don, Dee or Deveron.
For sight-seeing, Fyvie Castle is nearby and well worth a visit and the “Whisky Trail” is available in the area.
Activities
Whisky Trail The iconic whisky trail that runs from distillery to distillery up the Spey river is unique globally, boasting some of the finest whisky distilleries on earth.
The trail takes in seven world famous distilleries in the heart of the Spey and allows not only tasting sessions but detailed knowledge of the history of Scottish malt whisky. Coupled with exceptional landscape with breathtaking views it is a must for those seeking the solace of city life.
Golf
Aberdeenshire is a golfers paradise. With over 50 courses to play in the region, it boasts some of the best golf courses on earth including the 6th oldest course in the world and the world renowned Trump course at Balmedie.
– Royal Aberdeen Golf- Trump Golf Scotland- Cruden Bay Golf Club- Oldmeldrum Golf Club- Insch Golf Club
Country Sports
Country sports are very much part of the heritage in the North-East of Scotland from fishing to stalking and shooting as well as an array of outdoor activities including go-karting and archery at Lochter Activity centre which is only 10 mins away by car:
– Local Activity Centre- Highland Walks- Local Beach
Restaurants
This part of Scotland boasts some of the worlds finest produce in terms of beef, pork and fish. Below are some fabulous local restaurants all close by:
​- Formartines at Haddo- Eat on the Green pub in Udny- Fennel Restaurant in Inverurie- The Mither Tap restaurant at Pittodrie HouseAt Excellence Luxury Villas we pride ourselves on going that little bit further for our guests. From private chefs to babysitters we can help you arrange those little extras that make it a truly memorable holiday. Simply fill in the
concierge request form or contact Excellence Luxury Villas Concierge Team who will be happy to help. Optional extras:
– In house chef  – price on application- Butler – £200/day- Airport transfers – price on application- Helicopter transfers – price on application- Bagpiper – price on application- Clay Pigeon Shooting from £40/person- Quad Biking from £240/person- Mini Highland Games from £100/person- Game shooting, fishing and hunting – price on application
Simply fill in the concierge request form or contact Excellence Luxury Villas Concierge Team.
Please note that all extras are subject to availability and must be requested in advance of the holiday (prices on request). Due to some rural/remote locations, not all services will be available at all properties. However, we will always do our best to fulfil your requests!